Alex Rodriguez has been hit with a 211-game drug suspension. On Monday, Aug. 5, Commissioner Bud Selig announced that the 38-year-old New York Yankees third baseman has been suspended for violations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and the Basic Agreement.
According to a Major League Baseball press release, A-Rod has been "suspended without pay for the remainder of the 2013 Championship Season and Postseason and the entire 2014 Championship Season." The suspension is effected on Thursday, Aug. 8, and will cover 211 Championship Season games.
"Rodriguez's discipline under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program is based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including testosterone and human growth hormone, over the course of multiple years," MLB states. "Rodriguez's discipline under the Basic Agreement is for attempting to cover-up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner's investigation."
MLB also suspended 12 other players for 50 games for their involvement with the South Florida clinic Biogenesis. According to ESPN, Rodriguez, who has dated Madonna, Kate Hudson and Cameron Diaz in the past, is expected to appeal his suspension.
